The Hunt Of A Lifetime With Nick BOWKER HUNTING SOUTH AFRICA

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Nick Bowker Hunting - The Hunt of a Lifetime in South Africa

Are you a first time African hunter. Taste the excitement of walk and stalk...

Safe under the supervision of a professional. No previous experience required. It's legal, because of professional supervision. Start on the bench, work your way up to stick shooting in less than a day. You probably do not have a rifle, we have the right equipment for your skills. We offer hunting for first-time hunters. Nick has significant experience and patience with first-time hunters.

Nick will get you up and running on the first day of your Safari. The first shooting of a bench at targets followed by shooting off sticks at targets and gongs.

Nick's approach will be to walk and stalk getting you close to your quarry before making your shot. Rifle hire and ammunition are included in the daily rate. South Africa has a very friendly regulatory environment for foreign hunters.

Hunting the Eastern Cape South Africa with Nick Bowker

We offer different hunting packages, including trophy animals like Kudu, White Blesbok, Impala, Springbok, Warthog, Mountain Reedbuck, and Black Wildebeest. Also included: Transport for pick-up and drop-off Port Elizabeth Airport. Accommodation. meals and drinks. Daily laundry. Skinners, trackers and dogs for retrieval of wounded animals. 4 x 4 hunting vehicles and fuel for duration of the safari. Use of high-end rifles, scopes and ammunition (Sako & Swarovski). Field preparation of trophies and delivery to the taxidermy. And all taxes and permits fees No deposit required, payment on completion of the hunt. No day fees. Nick Bowker, your professional Hunter at all times. Outfitter No: HC 53 / 2018 EC; PH No: PH 156 / 2018 EC

Springbok hunting is a thrilling experience as it's one of the fastest animals in the world and a sort after trophy. The Springbok is the national emblem of the Republic of South Africa. The name of this antelope originates from the early Dutch settlers and the word “spring,” which means to jump.

Taxonomy notes:

Antidorcas marsupialis (Zimmerman 1780)

Common names: Springbok (Afrikaans and English), Tshephe (Sotho), Ibhadi (Xhosa), Insephe (Zulu)

There are three subspecies, namely A. m. marsupialis (southern parts); A. m. hofmeyri (Botswana, Namibia and the Northern Cape); and A. m. angolensis (Angola). The main difference between the sub-species is their size. Three natural colours be distinguished: common, white, and black.


Fig 1: The Springbok.

Description

This medium-sized antelope has long, pointed ears, a long neck, and a slender body. Lyre-shaped black horns,10 – 15-inch-long horns that curve backward, are found both in males and females. The male horns are longer and the neck thicker. Both sexes reach 28 inches at the shoulder with a head-and-body length typically between 47 and 59 inches. The weight for both sexes ranges between 45 and 55 pounds.

The Springbok is characterized by a white face, a dark stripe running from the eyes to the mouth, a light-brown coat marked by a reddish-brown line that runs from the upper foreleg to the buttocks across the flanks, and a white rump flap.



Fig 2: Growth and size charts

Distribution

The Springbok’s distribution is mainly confined to southern Africa, except for a narrow extension into southwestern Angola, where it inhabits the South West Arid Zone and adjacent dry savannah of south and southwestern Africa.

The largest numbers occur on private game farms, mainly in the High veld of the Free State and Gauteng provinces, as well as the Karoo and Kalahari thornveld of the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape provinces. The majority of sub-populations held on private land are still within the natural distribution of the species.


Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa

The Springbok Crest

A unique feature of this lovely antelope is the pocket-like flap of skin on the rump which conceals a white crest. When the Springbok detects danger, it exposes a white ridge of hair by erecting the flap. This warns the rest of the group of imminent danger.

When excited Springbok opens the flap to reveal the crest while running and jumping jubilantly. This unique jumping is called “prancing” and is a sight to behold! Interesting jumping behavior can be observed during and after the rare rainfalls in the Kalahari. It is believed that after rains, particularly in the Kalahari; for the joy of living, the animals jump up and down like bouncing balls, stretching their front and rear legs simultaneously, and bending their heads down

Fig 4: The Prancing Springbok.

Habitats and Ecology

These antelope are mixed feeders, consuming both browse and grass. They prefer to utilize grass when it is young, but otherwise, browse karroid (semi-desert) vegetation which includes a variety of low shrubs and succulents. Springbok survives on moister they get from the fruits and succulent roots they eat, so they are not reliant on permanent surface water.

Natural enemies are Cheetahs, Leopards, Hyenas, Lions, Wild Dogs, Jackals, and Caracal.


Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behaviour

Depending on the weather, Springbok can mate all year round. Young are usually born at the start of the rainy season when food is abundant. The gestation period is 5 to 6 months and ends with one baby being born and hidden in the bush or tall grass. The calf weans at about 6 months.


Fig 6: Mother and lamb


Types of herds

Springbok form 3 types of herds: mixed herds (one dominant male with numerous females and their offspring), nursery herds (females and infants), and bachelor herds (young males). The mixed-sex herds or harems have a roughly 3:1 sex ratio; bachelor individuals are also observed.

Fig 7: Different types of herds

Hunting Springbok

Hunting springbok can be a challenge due to it's excellent senses and the fact that they are fast sprinters. Stalk carefully, keeping the wind in your favor and get as close as you can. Springbok is shot mainly in the open plains, and stalks can be tricky. Sometimes a longer shot will be required. If you can approach within 250 yards, you are doing well, and best take your shot. The flat-shooters will be the right rifle when hunting springbok.


Fig 8: Springbok shot placement

The Springbok Trophy

Your Springbok ram trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 28 inches, weigh about 50 pounds, and have a horn length of approximately 12 inches. The Safari Club International Score for a Springbok is 31. The trophy is measured by adding the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases. The trophy quality lies with the width of the bases, the overall length and the curls on the tips of the horns.

Fig 9: Skull

A great trophy to hunt while on Plains game hunting safari. Springbok is included in nearly all of our hunting packages along with Kudu, Gemsbok, Blesbok, Impala, Warthog, and Mountain Reedbuck.


Hunting the Springbok Slam

With Nick Bowker Hunting you can go for the Springbok slam, which consists of the four color phases the White Springbok, Copper Springbok, and Black Springbok. The color phases are not a separate subspecies.


Fig 10: The Springbok Slam


References:

Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

Furstenburg, D, 2006. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis. Game & Hunt

Jerome Philippe, Founder of AfricaHunting.com

The Impala​

The Impala or Southern impala is found in woodlands and sometimes on the interface between woodlands and savannah; it inhabits places close to water ans is a trophy most hunters take on their first African hunt. The smooth skin and two-tone red coloration make for a unique trophy.

Taxonomy notes​

Usually two subspecies are distinguished; namely the common impala Aepyceros melampus melampus) and the black-faced impala (Aepyceros melampus petersi).
Common names: Common Impala, Impala (English), Rooibok (Afrikaans), Mhara (Shona), Phala (Sotho,Tswana, Venda), Impala (Zulu)


Fig 1: The Impala

Description:​

The impala is a medium-sized, slender antelope. The horns, strongly ridged and divergent, are circular in section and hollow at the base. The glossy coat of the impala shows two-tone colouration – the reddish brown back and the tan flanks which are in sharp contrast to the white underbelly. Facial features include white rings around the eyes and a light chin and snout Of the subspecies, the black-faced impala is significantly larger and darker than the common impala.


Fig 2: Horn Growth and size charts.

Distribution:​

The range extends from central and southern Kenya and north-eastern Uganda; in the east to northern KwaZulu-Natal in the south, and westward up to Namibia and southern Angola. This lovely antelope were also introduced to other areas on game ranges and farms.

Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa.

Interesting facts:​

Impala antelope have unique black glands on their ankles known as metatarsal glands. When threatened by predators, they scatter in all directions and they kick back their hind legs and release a scent which makes it easier to find each other again once the threat is over. This behaviour has an added advantage of confusing the predator

Fig 4: Scenting glands.

Habitats and Ecology:​

The impala is active throughout the day and night, alternating resting and grazing, and drinking at least once a day. The impala inhabits woodlands or interface between woodlands and savannah, due to its preference for shade, it needs to be close to water, and also are seasonal feeders. Impala tend to keep away from areas with tall grasses as predators could be concealed there.


Natural enemies are lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs and the locational hyaena.

Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behaviour​

Like most wild animals, the impala’s behaviours are mostly centered around feeding and reproduction. The mother–calf bond is weak, and breaks soon after weaning; juveniles leave the herds of their mothers to join other herds. Allogrooming is an important means of social interaction in bachelor and female herds; in fact, the impala appears to be the only ungulate to display self-grooming as well as allogrooming.

Fig 6: Impala mom and lamb

Types of herds​

Although impala tend to be fairly social for most of the year, they break off into subgroups during the rut, or mating season. Impala typically form three types of herds: all-female herds (often led by a territorial male who may be replaced multiple times), bachelor herds, and mixed-sex family herds led by territorial males and temporary nursing herds with 1 or 2 females.

Fig 7: Different types of herds.

Hunting Impala​

Hunting is done by setting up ambushes and walk and stalk techniques.It can jump as high as 3 meters, even jumping over other individuals, and covering a distance of 10 meters.

Fig 8: Shot placement.

The Impala Trophy​

Your impala ram trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 46 inches, weigh about 130 pounds, and have a horn length of approximately 22 inches.

The minimum Safari Club International score for an impala is 52. The trophy is measured by adding the length of each horn and the circumference of the bases.

Fig 9: The Skull.

Hunting the Black Impala​

Black impala is a color variant of the southern impala. A great trophy to add while on hunting safari and a must for any collector interested in collecting both of the impala color variations.

The black impala is not a subspecies, but a color phase of the southern impala. Black impala was developed by selective breeding; the color of the skin is all black.

Fig 10: The Black Impala.



References:

Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

New World Encyclopedia, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Impala#Taxonomy

SafarisAfricana, https://safarisafricana.com/animals/impala/

Brent Huffman, www.ultimateungulate.com, http://216.19.70.191/Artiodactyla/Aepyceros_melampus.html

Wikipedia.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impala

The Kudu

The kudu with its magnificent spiralled horns is one of Africa’s most gracious and handsome antelope. It is the only indigenous antelope at present enlarging its distribution naturally. Wildlife ranching and the private sector also have generally had a positive effect on this species, as it has been widely reintroduced onto private properties within its natural distribution.

Taxonomy notes:

The common name kudu is derived from the indigenous Khoikhoi language of Southern Africa. The scientific name is derived from Greek: Tragos denotes a he-goat and elaphos a deer; Strephis means ‘twisting’ and Keras means ‘horn.

Greater kudu may be distinguished from a similar species, the lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis), by the presence of a throat mane.


Fig 1: The Kudu

Description:

The Great kudu is a large antelope with tawny colouring and thin, white, sparse vertical stripes. Greater kudu may be distinguished from a similar species, the lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis), by the presence of a throat mane. The male has long black twisted horns. Females do not have horns

Fig 2: Growth and size charts.

Distribution:

Greater kudus are found extensively throughout Southern Africa, in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia and even further north in Tanzania, Kenya and parts of Angola.



Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa.

Interesting:

Kudu are highly alert and notoriously hard to approach. When they detect danger – often using their large, radar-like ears – they give a hoarse alarm bark, then flee with a distinctive, rocking-horse running motion, the male laying back his horns to avoid overhead obstructions.

Their cryptic colouring and markings protect kudus by camouflaging them. If alarmed, they usually stand still and are very difficult to spot.


Fig 4: Dealing with threats.

Habitats and Ecology:

They can be found in a very wide habitat range including hilly areas, slopes of mountains with trees, woodlands, bush thickets, riverine areas, bushveld and wooded savannah areas.The mean home range size is 90-350 ha during wet summer periods and may expand to 600ha during droughts. Predators, such as lions and leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, and sometimes pythons, hunt kudu and their young.


Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behavior:

Like many other antelopes, male kudu can be found in bachelor groups, but they are more likely to be solitary. Their dominance displays tend not to last long and are generally fairly peaceful, consisting of one male making himself look big by making his hair stand on end. Males are seen with females only in the mating season, when they join in groups of 5–15 kudu, including offspring. A pregnant female will leave the herd to give birth to a single offspring. She will leave the newborn lying hidden for 4–5 weeks while coming back only to nurse it.


Fig 6: Mother and calf.



Types of herds:

Herds of over 20 usually split up into smaller groups. Young cows remain with their mothers' unit, but young bulls form bachelor groups when they reach sexual maturity, normally at two years. Adult Bulls that have won the right to mate will join herds of females and their young in mating season, but favour other habitats out of the mating season. No territorial spacing exists amongst bulls, but they do show age and hence size-graded dominance hierarchies.



Fig 7: Different types of herds.

Hunting Kudu:

Some of the best kudu hunting methods include stalking their feeding areas early in the morning, or ambushing the bulls as they return from cover and on higher grounds. You can lie in wait at watering holes at midday, still-hunting in thick cover, or tracking. Avoid hunting kudu with . 270 or lower calibre rifles.

If you're after a good kudu trophy, you will want to avoid head and neck shots. Instead, go for the high heart or lung shot.


Fig 8: Shot placement.

The Kudu Trophy measurements:

Horn lengths in the low 50's are fairly common; 55 inches and over can be considered a really good trophy; and 60 inches and over is exceptional. The Eastern Cape Kudu is considered a subspecies of the greater kudu and horns length will be around 5 - 10 inches less than its northern cousin and darker in color.

Fig 9: Skull.

Hunting the Kudu Trophy:

The magnificent horns are spread in beautiful open spirals. There is no scientific proof for claims that narrow horns relate to bush dwelling and wide horns to plains kudu, as the two forms are found in both habitats. However, narrow-horned kudu are more mobile in thickets and are seen moving more frequently in thicker vegetation, whereas a wide horned kudu tends to conceal itself rather than to move. The horns of a kudu are constructed in such away as to give the animal constant eye contact with the tips


Fig 10: The Kudu Trophy



References:

Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

Focus on the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Deon Furstenburg, GEO WILD Consult (Pty) Ltd.

Wikipedia.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudu

https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/mammals/greater-kudu/

https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/32.-Greater-Kudu-Tragelaphus-strepsiceros_LC.pdf

https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/greater-kudu-facts

https://www.africansky.com/african-...tions/national-parks/kruger-park/mammals/kudu

https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/kudu

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_kudu.html

The Gemsbok

The Gemsbok is a large antelope native to the Kalahari, and adapted to live in this hot, dry habitat - a desert specialist. With their long spear like horns and striking coloring species make it a favorite with trophy hunters.

Taxonomy notes:

The name "Gemsbok" in English is derived from Afrikaans Gemsbok, which itself is derived from Dutch name of the male chamois, Gemsbok, Although some superficial similarities in appearance (especially in the facial pattern) are noticed, the chamois and the oryx are not closely related. Previously regarded as a single species, Gemsbok (O. gazella) and Beisa Oryx (O. beisa), from East Africa, are now considered distinct species based on taxonomic results


Fig 1: About the Gemsbok name.

Description:

Gemsbok are light brownish-grey to tan in colour, with lighter patches toward the bottom rear of the rump. Their tails are long and black in colour. A blackish stripe extends from the chin down the lower edge of the neck, through the juncture of the shoulder and leg along the lower flank of each side to the blackish section of the rear leg. They have muscular necks and shoulders, and their legs have white 'socks' with a black patch on the front of both the front legs, and both genders have long, straight horns. They stand about 1.2m at the shoulder. The body length can vary from 190 to 240cm and the tail measures 45 to 90cm. Male Gemsbok can weigh between 180 and 240kg , while females weigh 100–210kg.



Fig 2: Growth and size charts.

Distribution:

Gemsbok or Oryx were traditionally found in the north-western and western parts of South Africa, which is the Northern Cape, Kalahari, North West and Western Cape.

In the present day, due to commercial game farming and through breeding and selling, they occur throughout South Africa on game farms. There are no Gemsbok in the Kruger National Park, but they can be seen in a number of other parks especially in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park



Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa.


Interesting facts:

A low metabolism allows them to survive for much of the year without drinking. They get the moisture they need from their food, including desert melons that they dig up in times of drought. Feeding at night provides them with dew on the leaves with enough water to survive on.They use their horns in territorial combat and as lethal weapons against predators by lowering the horns to a vertical position, even capable of killing lions.


Fig 4: Interesting about the Gemsbok.


Habitats and Ecology:


The Gemsbok is desert dwelling animal that prefers deserts, scrubland and brushland. Southern gemsbok tend to inhabit open, arid areas, such as the Kalahari duneland and bush savannah while northern gemsbok inhabit open grasslands.


Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behavior:

After the rain season, they usually gather into larger herds of up to 300 individuals. Herds are usually led by a territorial male who marks his territory with piles of dung pellets to warn off male intruders. If intruders do come on to the territory duel conflicts usually occur involving horn clashing and body bashing. As calves in the herd grow, they test each other in what looks like games, but in reality are tests of strength. As the hierarchy becomes established, the need to fight is reduced.


Fig 6: Gemsbok family group.

Types of herds:

They are semi-gregarious and occur in the following groups:

1. mixed groups of 540 individuals that include several territorial bulls as temporarily associates, adult non-lactating cows and sub adult cows

2. family groups of 4-12 animals consisting of adult cows and calves and, sometimes, a territorial bull

3. bachelor herds of 2-7 bulls of all ages

4. solitary territorial bulls.


Fig 7: Different types of herds.

Hunting Gemsbok:

There are various methods of hunting gemsbok in Africa. Generally, there will be a mix of driving, walking and spot and stalk.In an optimal world, a .300 Win. Mag or similar is probably perfect for gemsbok because it is a hard hitting and flat shooting calibre, but a .270 is plenty adequate for gemsbok. Be prepared to shoot out to 350 yards if needed.

Fig 8: Gemsbok shot placement.


The Gemsbok Trophy:

The gold standard for a very nice trophy gemsbok is one with 40 inch horns. Both bulls and cows have horns and are hunted, but a bull gemsbok at 40 inches is much more of a trophy than a female of the same length. The Safari Club International (SCI) scoring method of gemsbok favours length of horns over mass.



Fig 9: The Gemsbok trophy.

Gemsbok males and females make spectacular trophies. Both sexes carry long spear-like horns. Gemsbok can be extremely aggressive and dangerous when injured or threatened. This is one of the most popular antelope to hunt in Southern Africa.



Fig 10: Gemsbok Skull.


References:

Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

Wikipedia.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gemsbok

https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/17.-Gemsbok-Oryx-gazella_LC.pdf

http://www.wildlifesouthafrica.com/blog/mammals-of-south-africa/gemsbok-fact-file

https://animalcorner.org/animals/gemsbok/

Focus on the Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)Deon Furstenburg, GEO WILD Consult (Pty) Ltd.

The Blesbok


Taxonomy notes:

Latin Name: Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi.

The blesbok and bontebok used to be seen as separate species, but currently they are both seen as subspecies of D. dorcas.

Common names:

Blesbok (English, Afrikaans),

Inoni (Ndebele),

Nônê (Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana),

Nônô (Sesotho),

Liloni (Swati),

Noni (Tsonga),

Ilinqua (Xhosa).


Fig 1: The names

Description:

Physically, rams and ewes are remarkably similar. Their mass can be as much as 85 kg. A characteristic of the Blesbok is the prominent white blaze on the face and a horizontal brown strip which divides this blaze above the eyes. Body colour is brown with a lighter coloured saddle on the back, and the rump an even lighter shade. The legs are brown with a white patch behind the top part of the front legs with the lower legs whitish. Both sexes carry horns, ringed almost to the tip. Female horns are slightly more slender.


Fig 2: Growth and size charts.

Distribution:

The Blesbok's distribution is restricted to the Republic of South Africa. Historically they ranged in the central highlands of the Free State, Eastern Cape, southern parts of the former Transvaal, and marginally in KwaZulu-Natal. After being heavily hunted, population numbers have recovered dramatically due to vigorous conservation in game reserves and farms.


Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa.

The blaze which gave the Blesbok it's name:

The common name is a derivative of the Afrikaans words for blazed antelope, which is in reference to the white blaze found on their face. The saddle and the rear of the buttocks are a dull yellow-brown. The underside of the body and parts of the lower legs are a dirty white.



Fig 4: The blaze

Habitats and Ecology:

Their natural habitat is Highveld, open grassland with water. Territories are established in open, heavily over-grazed veld or brackish areas demarcated by fixed latrines that are used repeatedly. Rams are often found lying or standing on a dung midden displaying their dominance. Lions, leopards, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs are the blesbok's main predators, while jackals and eagles may attack calves


Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behavior:

Blesbok are predominantly diurnal in their activities. They become less active during the cold winter months when large groups spend hours either lying in the sun or, when the sun becomes too hot, lying in the shade of trees. They repeatedly use the same routes to and from feeding grounds and water, following each other in a single row. Bodily contact between blesbok individuals is rare and Individuals groom themselves by rubbing the body with the muzzle or horns or by nibbling the skin with the incisors. This is known as allo-grooming.

Types of herds:

Blesbok are social animals that form the following herds:

- family groups of 20-120 consisting of sub-adult females of all ages, young males of 1- 2 years and post-mature ewes

- harem groups of 4-25 socially mature ewes older than 2.5 years with their lambs of 10-18 months. The harem is sometimes associated with a territorial ram

- bachelor groups of predominantly male sub-adults of 2-4 years and, occasionally, one or two adult rams older than 4 years.

- adult ram groups of 20-120 consisting of both non-territorial adult rams aged 4-8 years and post-mature rams older than 8 years

solitary territorial rams of 4-8 years



Fig 6: Blesbok form different kinds of herds.

Blesbok family:

Females give birth to usually a single calf early in the summer. Blesbok calves differ from most other small or medium antelope species by staying with their mothers instead of hiding.


Fig 7: Mothers and calves.

Hunting Blesbok:

Usually hunted in open terrain where long shots are often the order. Can be stalked successfully and taken under 100m in suitable terrain. Use a medium bore rifle that you can shoot accurately and feel comfortable using.



Fig 8: Shot placement.

The Blesbok Trophy:

Your blesbok ram trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 35 inches, weigh about 130 pounds, and have a horn length of approximately 13 – 15 inches. The Safari Club International minimum score for a common blesbok is 40, and a white blesbok is 39.


Fig 9: Skull.

Blesbok color variants:

Two important color variants of blesbokhave been bred by private game farmers for the commercial market namely the white and yellow blesbok. Both variants have the ability to interbreed with each other and with the common blesbok as well as with the bontebok.


Fig 10: Comparison between the common and white Blesbok.


References:

Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/8.-Blesbok-Damaliscus-pygargus-phillipsi_LC.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/public..._on_the_Blesbok_Damaliscus_pygargus_phillipsi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blesbok

https://www.wildlifesouthafrica.com/blog/mammals-of-south-africa/blesbok-fact-file

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_blesbok.htmlhttps://www.wildlifesouthafrica.com/blog/mammals-of-south-africa/blesbok-fact-file

https://seaworld.org/animals/facts/mammals/blesbok/

Deon Furstenburg, Blesbok, Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi (Pallas, 1767)

The Black Wildebeest

Taxonomy notes:


Derivation of scientific name: Connochaetes is derived from the Greek word kónnos, which means ‘beard’, and gnou originates from the honking call they make, which is described as ge-nu.Common names: Black Wildebeest, White-tailed Gnu (English), Swartwildebees (Afrikaans), Gnu (Khoikhoi), Imbudumo (Ndebele), Podumö (Sepedi), Mmamononwane (Sesotho), Ingongoni (Swati), Mbutuma (Tsonga), Khongoni (Venda), Inqu (Xhosa), Inkonkoni (Zulu)




Fig 1: The Black Wildebeest

Description:

Black Wildebeest have a dark brown to black body, an erect mane and a long whitish tail. Both sexes have heavy, forward curving horns. Bulls measure 1.2 metres at the shoulder and weigh 161 Kg. Cows measure 1.16 metres at the shoulder and weigh 130 Kg.The horns of calves are initially straight, and start to grow the characteristic curvature at approximately nine months of age.



Fig 2: Growth and size charts.

Distribution:

Black Wildebeest are endemic to South Africa. Historically the Black Wildebeest occupied the central open grassland plains of the country, from the Northern Cape, the Free State, the southern Highveld regions of the former Transvaal, western Lesotho, western Swaziland and the grassland areas below the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal. It was also recently introduced to other parts of the country and neighbouring countries.



Fig 3: Distribution in South Africa.

Interesting facts:

Black wildebeests were first discovered in the northern part of South Africa in the 1800s.Black wildebeests can run at speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph). When a person approaches a herd to within a few hundred meters, wildebeests snort and run a short distance before stopping and looking back. They will repeat this behaviour if further approached.

During cool weather, Black wildebeests lay down to rest, but in hotter conditions, they rest while standing up.

The herds of Black wildebeests graze either in line or in loose groups and usually walk in single file when moving about. They are often accompanied by Cattle egrets, which pick out and consume the insects hidden in their coats or disturbed by their movements.



Fig 4: The Prancing Black Wildebeest.

Habitats and Ecology:

Black wildebeest occur in open Karoo and grasslands where they have access to water. Black wildebeest prefer areas with short grass, which they can feed on and which give them better visibility to be able to keep guard against predators. Open habitat with good visibility is also essential for reproductive behaviour; territorial males require unblocked views of their territories in order to breed.




Fig 5: Natural Predators.

Behavior:

This species shows strong attachment to particular areas, which are selected for all round visibility to enhance safety. Black wildebeest are mostly active in the early morning and late afternoon. When threatened they gallop around and stand with their forelegs on the ground whilst kicking with their hinged legs. They quickly run forward for a distance then stop to turn and look back to where they came from.

Mature bulls set up their own territories through which female herds often pass. These territories are maintained throughout the year. An encounter between two bulls involves elaborate rituals. During this ritual or afterwards, the two can toss their horns at each other, circle one another, or even look away. Then begins the fight. Threat displays such as shaking the head may also take place.

The gestational period lasts for about 8.5 months, after which a single calf is born. Females in labour do not move away from the female herd. Births normally take place in areas with short grass when the cow is in the lying position. She stands up immediately afterwards, which causes the umbilical cord to break, and vigorously licks the calf and chews on the afterbirth. In spite of regional variations, around 80% of the females give birth to their calves within a period of 2-3 weeks after the onset of the rainy season



Fig 6: Mother and calf

Types of herds:

Black wildebeest form breeding herds of ten to 60 animals, within which three social groups are formed: one being the female herd made up of adults, sub-adults and calves. Then there is a bachelor herd made up of adult and sub-adult males. The last one is for the territorial adult bull. The bachelor herds move around whereas the female herds are strongly attached to home ranges. The territorial bull chases the bull calves away from the breeding herd once they are a year old and they then join the bachelor herd.



Fig 7: Family group

Hunting Black Wildebeest:

At first glance, hunting black wildebeest may seem rather easy, as on the open plains where he is often found, he will be relatively easy to locate. However, closing the distance on him may be an entirely different matter; his excellent senses and herd instinct make hunting black wildebeest quite a challenge.



Hunting black wildebeest is most likely best pursued during the morning or late afternoon while the herd is grazing. During cool weather, they will graze any time, but when it is warm, they tend to rest during the hottest part of the day.



Caution is the “watch word” when hunting black wildebeest, as he can be very aggressive when mating, disturbed, or wounded. Hunting black wildebeest in open terrain calls for a minimum of .270 calibre with a good 150-grain bullet. The 7mm mag or one of the .300 magnums is an even better choice. Follow the back edge of the front leg and place your shot one third up into the body, never more than half way up. Hunting black wildebeest in bushveld conditions may well call for even larger calibres, like the 9.3mm or the .375.




Fig 8: Shot placement.


The Black Wildebeest Trophy:

Both genders have well-developed horns that have their origins in a thickened boss on thehead and then extend forwards in a deep, downwards curve. As with the rhino, red hartebeest and warthog, the best trophy is not necessarily found on the oldest bull, but is rather found earlier when the bull is in its prime. This is due to the constant weathering of the horn during adulthood. Generally black wildebeest reach their maximum trophy status at an age of about 3.5 years.



Fig 9: The Trophy.


What to look out for:

Sounds: These animals communicate with each other using pheromones detected by flehmen and several forms of vocal communication. One of these is a metallic snort or an echoing "hick", that can be heard up to 1.5 km (1 mi) away. Spoor and droppings.



Fig 10: Signs to look out for.



References:


Smithers, RHN, 1983. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 1st edn. University of Pretoria, CTP

Book Printers, Cape Town.

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_black_wildebeest.html

https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/11091/



Black Wildebeest / White-tailed gnu Connochaetes gnou(Zimmermann, 1780), Deon Furstenburg

Excellent information on this post! Thanks!

Ridgewalker said:

Excellent information on this post! Thanks!

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A pleasure